In Dongzhou, April's weeping cherry blossoms had reached their final, extravagant bloom.
There weren't many weeping cherry trees on campus, only two rows lining the path beside the library. Their soft, slender branches drooped like willow strands, laden with layers of pink-and-white double blossoms. They looked like countless waterfalls of pink tassels; a gust of wind sent a sudden pink shower sweeping through the air.
A damp, sweet floral fragrance drifted around them.
A thin carpet of petals covered the ground, soft and soundless underfoot.
Pu Yu had just come out of the library with her roommate, a few textbooks cradled in her arms.
The wind was a little strong today. She wore a pure white cotton-linen dress, its soft fabric falling to her ankles. Whenever the wind blew, it fluttered against her legs, outlining their slender shape.
Her long, straight black hair hung loose over her shoulders. A pale blue star clip rested by her ear, glinting in and out of sight among the dark strands as she walked.
"Ugh, why do these petals keep getting down my neck?"
Her roommate was busy shaking petals out of her hair. Turning to her, she asked, "Yu, want to get clay-pot rice noodles by the south gate tonight?"
"Sure."
Pu Yu answered with smiling eyes. She was just reaching up to brush aside a cherry branch dangling in front of her when her phone vibrated in her pocket.
Assuming it was a delivery or another sales call, she answered without looking. Her voice still held the cheerful smile from her conversation with her roommate.
"Hello? You can leave the package at the south gate collection point..."
"Can't do that."
A familiar voice came through the phone.
In that instant, it was as though an electric current shot straight from her eardrum